Haptic systems and methods for a user interface of a patient support apparatus

ABSTRACT

A patient support apparatus comprises a patient support surface for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a user input device, a controller, and an ultrasonic generator system. The controller is configured to control the ultrasonic generator system to provide haptic sensations to the user. The haptic sensations, in some cases, provides tactile stimuli to a user associated with a virtual button.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/833,427, filed on Dec. 6, 2017, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/431,126, filed onDec. 7, 2016, the entire contents and disclosures of each of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Patient support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, stretchers, cots,tables, wheelchairs, and chairs facilitate care of patients in a healthcare setting. Conventional patient support apparatuses comprise a baseand a patient support surface upon which the patient is supported.Often, these patient support apparatuses have one or more powereddevices to perform one or more functions on the patient supportapparatus. These functions can include lifting or lowering the patientsupport surface, extending or shortening a length of the patient supportapparatus, extending or narrowing a width of the patient supportapparatus, raising or lowering one or more deck sections, and the like.When a caregiver wishes to perform such a function, the caregiveractuates a user input device on a user interface, often in the form of abutton on a control panel. Conventional user interfaces include separatemodules (e.g., touchscreen displays) attached to one or more side rails,a headboard, and/or a footboard of the patient support apparatus and aregenerally difficult to clean due to the nature of the materials employedand seams/joints that are formed around the user interface. This can beparticularly problematic as caregivers, patients, and other users areconstantly touching the user interface to control the functions of thepatient support apparatus. As a result, the user interface is especiallysusceptible to contamination by bacteria, viruses, and othermicroorganisms, which can lead to the spread of infections.

Additionally, the caregiver's attention is often required to firstvisually select an appropriate one out of multiple buttons on the userinterface and then carefully actuate the appropriate button, usuallywhile maintaining eye contact (i.e., line-of-sight) with the selectedbutton. This can distract the caregiver's attention away from moremeaningful tasks, such as watching or tending to the needs of thepatient. In certain cases, the user interface also provides a display orother visual elements to display information to the caregiver, such asinformation that indicates to the caregiver current states of thepatient support apparatus, e.g., a current height of the patient supportsurface, a current fowler angle, etc. While this information can beuseful, it can further distract the caregiver from watching or tendingto the needs of the patient.

A patient support apparatus designed to address one or more of theaforementioned challenges is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a patient support apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a control system.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a control panel.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a haptic sensation zone.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a second control panel integratedinto a sanitizable barrier wall of a side rail.

FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the side rail.

FIG. 7 is a blown-up view taken from FIG. 5 of indicia on the side rail.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 7illustrating an ultrasonic generator system to provide hapticsensations.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 7illustrating actuation of a sensor.

FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view of a patient support apparatuswith articulating deck sections.

FIG. 10 is a right side elevational view of a patient support apparatuswith lift device.

FIG. 11 is a partial elevational view of a bed length extension device.

FIG. 12 is a partial elevational view of a bed width extension device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a patient support system comprising a patientsupport apparatus 30 is shown for supporting a patient in a health caresetting. The patient support apparatus 30 illustrated in FIG. 1comprises a hospital bed. In other embodiments, however, the patientsupport apparatus 30 may comprise a stretcher, cot, table, wheelchair,chair, or similar apparatus utilized in the care of a patient.

A support structure 32 provides support for the patient. The supportstructure 32 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a base 34 and anintermediate frame 36. The intermediate frame 36 is spaced above thebase 34. The support structure 32 also comprises a patient support deck38 disposed on the intermediate frame 36. The patient support deck 38comprises several sections, some of which are capable of articulating(e.g., pivoting) relative to the intermediate frame 36, such as a fowlersection, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section. Thepatient support deck 38 provides a patient support surface 42 upon whichthe patient is supported.

A mattress 40 is disposed on the patient support deck 38. The mattress40 comprises a secondary patient support surface 43 upon which thepatient is supported. The base 34, intermediate frame 36, patientsupport deck 38, and patient support surfaces 42, 43 each have a headend and a foot end corresponding to designated placement of thepatient's head and feet on the patient support apparatus 30. Theconstruction of the support structure 32 may take on any known orconventional design, and is not limited to that specifically set forthabove. In addition, the mattress 40 may be omitted in certainembodiments, such that the patient rests directly on the patient supportsurface 42.

Side rails 44, 46, 48, 50 are coupled to the intermediate frame 36 andthereby supported by the base 34. A first side rail 44 is positioned ata right head end of the intermediate frame 36. A second side rail 46 ispositioned at a right foot end of the intermediate frame 36. A thirdside rail 48 is positioned at a left head end of the intermediate frame36. A fourth side rail 50 is positioned at a left foot end of theintermediate frame 36. If the patient support apparatus 30 is astretcher or a cot, there may be fewer side rails. The side rails 44,46, 48, 50 are movable between a raised position in which they blockingress and egress into and out of the patient support apparatus 30, oneor more intermediate positions, and a lowered position in which they arenot an obstacle to such ingress and egress. In still otherconfigurations, the patient support apparatus 30 may not include anyside rails.

A headboard 52 and a footboard 54 are coupled to the intermediate frame36. In other embodiments, when the headboard 52 and footboard 54 areincluded, the headboard 52 and footboard 54 may be coupled to otherlocations on the patient support apparatus 30, such as the base 34. Instill other embodiments, the patient support apparatus 30 does notinclude the headboard 52 and/or the footboard 54.

Caregiver interfaces 56, such as handles, are shown integrated into thefootboard 54 and side rails 44, 46, 48, 50 to facilitate movement of thepatient support apparatus 30 over floor surfaces. Additional caregiverinterfaces 56 may be integrated into the headboard 52 and/or othercomponents of the patient support apparatus 30. The caregiver interfaces56 are graspable by the caregiver to manipulate the patient supportapparatus 30 for movement.

Other forms of the caregiver interface 56 are also contemplated. Thecaregiver interface may comprise one or more handles coupled to theintermediate frame 36. The caregiver interface may simply be a surfaceon the patient support apparatus 30 upon which the caregiver logicallyapplies force to cause movement of the patient support apparatus 30 inone or more directions, also referred to as a push location. This maycomprise one or more surfaces on the intermediate frame 36 or base 34.This could also comprise one or more surfaces on or adjacent to theheadboard 52, footboard 54, and/or side rails 44, 46, 48, 50. In otherembodiments, the caregiver interface may comprise separate handles foreach hand of the caregiver. For example, the caregiver interface maycomprise two handles.

Wheels 58 are coupled to the base 34 to facilitate transport over thefloor surfaces. The wheels 58 are arranged in each of four quadrants ofthe base 34 adjacent to corners of the base 34. In the embodiment shown,the wheels 58 are caster wheels able to rotate and swivel relative tothe support structure 32 during transport. Each of the wheels 58 formspart of a caster assembly 60. Each caster assembly 60 is mounted to thebase 34. It should be understood that various configurations of thecaster assemblies 60 are contemplated. In addition, in some embodiments,the wheels 58 are not caster wheels and may be non-steerable, steerable,non-powered, powered, or combinations thereof. Additional wheels arealso contemplated. For example, the patient support apparatus 30 maycomprise four non-powered, non-steerable wheels, along with one or morepowered wheels. In some cases, the patient support apparatus 30 may notinclude any wheels.

In other embodiments, one or more auxiliary wheels (powered ornon-powered), which are movable between stowed positions and deployedpositions, may be coupled to the support structure 32. In some cases,when these auxiliary wheels are located between caster assemblies 60 andcontact the floor surface in the deployed position, they cause two ofthe caster assemblies 60 to be lifted off the floor surface therebyshortening a wheel base of the patient support apparatus 30. A fifthwheel may also be arranged substantially in a center of the base 34.

Referring to FIG. 2, the patient support system may comprise one or morepowered devices 78-84, each configured to perform one or morepredetermined functions. The powered devices 78-84 utilize one or morecomponents that require electricity. The powered devices 78-84 maycomprise powered adjustment devices 78-84, such as a lift device 78, abed length extension device 80, a bed width extension device 82, and adeck adjustment device 84. Other powered devices, such as poweredwheels, and the like, are also contemplated. For instance, percussiondevices, compression devices, vibration devices, and other patienttherapy devices may also be employed.

A control system 100 is provided to control operation of the powereddevices 78-84. The control system 100 comprises a controller 102 havingone or more microprocessors for processing instructions or forprocessing an algorithm stored in memory 116 to control operation of thepowered devices 78-84. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 102may comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gatearrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and/or other suitablehardware, software, or firmware that is capable of carrying out thefunctions described herein. The controller 102 may be carried on-boardthe patient support apparatus 30, or may be remotely located. In oneembodiment, the controller 102 is mounted to the base 34. In otherembodiments, the controller 102 is mounted to the footboard 54. Thecontroller 102 may comprise one or more subcontrollers configured tocontrol all the powered devices 78-84 or one or more subcontrollers foreach of the powered devices 78-84. Power to the powered devices 78-84and/or the controller 102 may be provided by a battery power supply 104and/or an external power source 106.

The controller 102 is coupled to the powered devices 78-84 in a mannerthat allows the controller 102 to control the powered devices 78-84. Thecontroller 102 may communicate with the powered devices 78-84 via wiredor wireless connections. The controller 102 generates and transmitscontrol signals to the powered devices 78-84, or components thereof, tooperate their associated actuators, control their pumps, control theirvalves, or otherwise cause the powered devices 78-84 to perform one ofmore of the desired functions.

The controller 102 monitors a current state of the powered devices 78-84and determines desired states in which the powered devices 78-84 shouldbe placed, based on one or more input signals that the controller 102receives from one or more user input devices 110. The state of thepowered device 78-84 may be a position, a relative position, a pressure,an intensity, a frequency, an amplitude, a period, an angle, a speed, anenergization status (e.g., on/off), or any other parameter of thepowered device 78-84.

The caregiver, or other user, may actuate one of the user input devices110, which transmits a corresponding input signal to the controller 102,and the controller 102 controls operation of the powered device 78-84based on the input signal. Operation of the powered device 78-84 maycontinue until the caregiver discontinues actuation of the user inputdevice 110, e.g., until the input signal is terminated. In other words,depending on which user input device 110 is engaged, i.e., what inputsignal is received by the controller 102, the controller 102 controlsoperation of one of the powered devices 78-84. In certain embodiments,the controller 102 selects or initiates operation of one of the powereddevices 78-84 based on the input signals received by the controller 102.The user input devices 110 may be located on one of the side rails 44,46, 48, 50, the headboard 52, the footboard 54, or other suitablelocations. The user input devices 110 may also be located on a portableelectronic device (e.g., iWatch®, iPhone®, iPad®, or similar electronicdevices), as shown in FIG. 1.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the patient support apparatus 30comprises a control panel CP having a user input device 110 in the formof a touchscreen to enable a user to control one or more functions ofthe patient support apparatus 30. The control panel CP may be integratedinto one or more of the side rails 44, 46, 48, 50, headboard 52,footboard 54, or any other components of the patient support apparatus30. The touchscreen of the control panel CP comprises a graphical userinterface (GUI) to control the powered devices 78-84. The control panelCP may also comprise a display to display certain information as shown.As should be appreciated, the patient support apparatus 30 may compriseany number of powered devices 78-84 and corresponding user input devices110.

A haptic generator cooperates with the control panel CP to providehaptic sensations (e.g., tactile stimuli) to a user of the control panelCP. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the haptic generator comprises anultrasonic generator system 120. The ultrasonic generator system 120comprises an array of ultrasonic elements 122 (e.g., ultrasonictransducers and/or detectors). In the embodiment shown, the ultrasonicelements 122 are arranged about a periphery of the control panel CP andare embedded in a barrier wall 132. The barrier wall 132 is a wall ofone of the side rails 44, 46, 48, 50, headboard 52, footboard 54, orother component of the patient support apparatus 30. In otherembodiments, the ultrasonic elements 122 may be integrated into thecontrol panel CP or elsewise located with respect to the control panelCP. The ultrasonic elements 122 may be hidden behind the barrier wall132 or may be integrated elsewise into the barrier wall 132. In oneembodiment, the ultrasonic elements 122 may be embedded in an ultrasoniclayer (not shown) attached to the barrier wall 132. The ultrasonic layermay be more rigid than the barrier wall 132 or may be more flexible thanthe barrier wall 132.

The ultrasonic generator system 120 is arranged and controlled by thecontroller 102 to provide haptic sensations to the user. The hapticsensations may be associated with selectable items (e.g., icons) on thetouchscreen so that the user feels a tactile sensation as the user'sfinger approaches the selectable items, but prior to actual contact withthe touchscreen. The haptic sensations can be generated in a manner thatprovides a virtual button to the user so that, even though thetouchscreen is flat and devoid of tactilely significant surfaces, theuser is given the impression that a raised button actually exists. Sucha virtual button can be created by ultrasound waves directed toward theuser's finger that are felt by the user as the user's finger approachesthe touchscreen—thereby creating tactile stimuli on the user's finger(see the graphical representation of ultrasound waves in FIG. 4). Thehaptic sensations can also be generated in a manner that conveysinformation to the user (also referred to as informational hapticfeedback), such as patient conditions or alarm conditions, e.g., whenthe user has reached maximum or minimum limits of one or more of thepowered devices, the ultrasound waves pulse, increase in intensity,decrease in intensity, etc. The controller 102 may provide the hapticsensations through texturizing. Texturizing involves providingcontrolled ultrasound via the ultrasonic generator system 120 to provideor simulate friction sensations, pulsing sensations, variable thicknesssensations, coarseness sensations, irregularity sensations, movementsensations, bumpiness sensations, rigidness sensations, pliabilitysensations, and the like.

In some embodiments, ultrasound waves reach the user, and provide hapticsensations to the user, well before the user reaches any actual surfaceof the control panel CP. Accordingly, this can be referred to ascontactless, haptic sensations. In some cases, such as when the hapticsensations are combined with user interfaces that havetouchless/contactless input devices (e.g., gesture-based input, opticalinput, etc.), the combination of contactless haptic sensations andcontactless user input reduces infections that may otherwise spread dueto contact with the user interface. See, for example, U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0077534 to Derenne et al., entitled“Person Support Apparatuses With Virtual Control Panels,” herebyincorporated by reference. See also, U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo 2011/0199342 to Vartanian et al., hereby incorporated by reference.When virtual control panels like those disclosed in these publicationsare employed along with the contactless haptic systems and methodsdescribed herein, direct infection transmission between the user and thepatient support apparatus 30 can be reduced.

The ultrasonic elements 122 can be configured, arranged, and controlledas described in the following articles, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein: “Two Dimensional Radiation PressureTactile Display” by Iwamoto et al., pages 1298-1301, SICE AnnualConference 2005 in Okayama, Aug. 8-10, 2005 Okayama University, Japan,which discloses a method and system that can be used in the mannerdescribed herein to provide a two dimensional tactile display; “ATactile Display Using Ultrasound Linear Phased Array” by TakayukiIwamoto and Hiroyuki Shinoda, The Fourteenth International Conference onArtificial Reality and Telexistence (ICAT2004), 2004 (referenced in theprior article), which discloses a tactile display that can be used inthe manner described herein to provide tactile perception; or “SaLT:Small And Lightweight Tactile Display Using Ultrasonic Actuators” by Kimet al., pages 430-435, Proceedings of the 17^(th) IEEE InternationalSymposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, TechnischeUniversitat Munchen, Germany, Aug. 1-3, 2008, which discloses ultrasonicactuators that can be used to provide a tactile display in the mannerdescribed herein to provide tactile perception.

The ultrasonic elements 122 can be controlled by the controller 102 toprovide focal points of tactile stimuli. These focal points can be assmall as 1 mm resulting in fine, precise tactile stimuli. The ultrasonicelements 122 can also provide focal points greater than 1 mm and canprovide focal points at variable frequencies and intensities (e.g.,through one or more ultrasonic linear phased arrays). The array ofultrasonic elements 122 may emit directional ultrasound waves (e.g.,beams of waves) through air to desired locations above the barrier wall132 in a sensation zone Z. The sensation zone Z is defined as a space(e.g., a volume), part of the space, or a force field above the barrierwall 132 that defines the range of ultrasound perception, as describedin U.S. Patent Application Publication No 2011/0199342 to Vartanian etal., hereby incorporated by reference herein. Ultrasound may also beemitted from the ultrasonic elements 122 in various ultrasound patternsto create different sensations, as described in Vartanian et al.

The controller 102 is configured to control the intensity (e.g.,strength) and/or direction of ultrasound emission. The controller 102may control the ultrasonic elements 122 (e.g., one or more linear arraysof piezoelectric transducers) via an ultrasonic driving circuit, such asone comprising signal delay circuits implemented with 4-bit counters. Inthis case, control signals from the controller 102 to the ultrasonicelements 122 can be controlled so that ultrasound from each ultrasonicelement 122 converge along one or more axes. The driving circuit (e.g.,driver) may also be like that described and shown in FIG. 5 of “SaLT:Small And Lightweight Tactile Display Using Ultrasonic Actuators” by Kimet al., pages 430-435, Proceedings of the 17^(th) IEEE InternationalSymposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, TechnischeUniversitat Munchen, Germany, Aug. 1-3, 2008, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Ultrasound intensity and/or direction may be varied over time to providedifferent sensations to the user (e.g., the user's finger, hand, etc.).In one embodiment, as the user's finger pulls away from the barrier wall132 or control panel CP, which is detected by some of the ultrasonicelements 122 (of the type that also detect soundwaves), intensity may bereduced by the controller 102. When the user's finger moves toward thebarrier wall 132 or control panel CP, the intensity may be increased tocreate additional resistance.

Referring to FIG. 5, in another embodiment, another control panel CP2 isshown integrated into the barrier wall 132. The control panel CP2 may beintegrated into one of the side rails 44, 46, 48, 50, headboard 52,footboard 54, or any other component of the patient support apparatus30. In FIG. 5, the control panel CP2 is shown integrated into the siderail 44. An end view of the side rail 44 is shown in FIG. 6.

The control panel CP2 comprises non-electronic indicia 133 disposed onthe barrier wall 132. The indicia 133 is visible to the user and islocated in a first region 134. The indicia 133 is shown fixed to anexterior surface 137 of the barrier wall 132. In one example, theindicia 133 comprises printed material on the exterior surface 137. Inanother embodiment, the indicia 133 is provided on a separate indicialayer (not shown) attached to the barrier wall 132. The indicia layermay comprise an adhesive backing to adhere to the barrier wall 132. Thebarrier wall 132 also comprises a second region 136 free of indiciaadjacent the first region 134. In this embodiment, the exterior surface137 is continuous between the first region 134 and the second region136. The exterior surface 137 is also free of seams between the firstregion 134 and the second region 136. The barrier wall 132 may be formedof an electrically non-conductive material, such as plastic, wood,certain composites, and the like. The barrier wall 132 is formed of amaterial that can be easily sanitized to control the spread ofinfection. Furthermore, in the embodiments that lack joints/seams in thebarrier wall 132 between the first region 134 and the second region 136,the exterior surface 137 can be easily wiped down with sanitizing wipes,etc. to inhibit the spread of infection.

The first region 134 and the second region 136 can be defined byportions or sections of the barrier wall 132, areas of the barrier wall132, and the like. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the first region134 is defined as a first section of the barrier wall 132 delineated bya first outer boundary generally indicated by a first hidden line. Thesecond region 136 is defined as a second section of the barrier wall 132delineated between the first region 134 and a second outer boundarygenerally indicated by a second hidden line. In this embodiment, thesecond outer boundary also defines an outer periphery of the barrierwall 132 and an outer periphery of the side rail 44. The second outerboundary could also define an outer periphery of the headboard 52,footboard 54, or other component, depending on the location of thebarrier wall 132.

The indicia 133 may comprise separate indicia B1-B8 associated withdifferent predetermined functions of one or more of the powered devices78-84. As users are generally accustomed to physical buttons that havesymbols or other forms of indicia, the separate indicia B1-B8 may besimilar in form to those conventionally used on push-button userinterfaces. In this case, however, the ultrasonic generator system 120(not shown in FIG. 5) provides haptic sensations to the user so that,even though the indicia B1-B8 is flat and devoid of tactilelysignificant surfaces, the user is given the impression that a physicalbutton actually exists, such as a push-button. Thus, each separateindicia B1-B8 may be coincident with and indicative of the location of aseparate virtual button.

The indicia B1 and B2 are associated with raising (B1) or lowering (B2)an angle of the fowler section of the patient support deck 38. Theindicia B3 and B4 are associated with lifting (B1) or lowering (B2) thepatient support surface 42 relative to the floor surface, respectively.The indicia B5 and B6 are associated with lengthening (B5) or shortening(B6) the bed length extension device 80 to lengthen or shorten thepatient support apparatus 30 to accommodate taller or shorter patients.The indicia B7 and B8 are associated with widening (B7) or narrowing(B8) the bed width extension device 82 to widen or narrow the patientsupport apparatus 30 to accommodate larger or smaller patients,respectively. Other indicia, not shown, is also contemplated for usewith other functions of the patient support apparatus 30.

Referring to FIG. 7, a close-up view of the indicia B1 is shown toillustrate the user input device 110 and ultrasonic elements 122associated with each of the separate indicia B1-B8. As shown, a separateuser input device 110 is associated with each of the separate indiciaB1-B8 to transmit signals to the controller 102 associated with thefunction attributed to each of the separate indicia B1-B8. The userinput devices 110 may be separate, integrated into a single unit, orcombinations thereof. The separate indicia B1-B8 provide the user with avisual indication of the location of the separate user input devices110.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the separate indicia B1-B8are located over their respective user input devices 110. In theembodiment shown, the separate user input devices 110 are located behindthe barrier wall 132, beneath each of the separate indicia B1-B8 andthus, are not visible to the user. The user input devices 110 may alsobe embedded in the barrier wall 132.

The user input devices 110 are capable of sensing user input andproviding associated input signals to the controller 102 withoutrequiring direct contact by the user. This further simplifies theexterior surface 137 of the barrier wall 132, allowing the use of acontinuous, seamless barrier wall 132 in some cases, further easingcleaning and sanitizing of the barrier wall 132. The user input devices110 may be mounted to the barrier wall 132 to detect user input throughthe barrier wall 132 in the first region 134. The user input devices 110may comprise, for instance, piezoelectric sensors that measuredeflection or pressure on the barrier wall 132 without being directlycontacted by the user. Other types of sensors may comprise pressuresensors, strain gauges, temperature sensors, optical sensors, and thelike. Other types of sensors are also contemplated.

In other embodiments, one or more user input devices 110, such as one ormore piezoelectric sensors, may be used in conjunction with two, three,or more of the indicia B1-B8. For example, four piezoelectric sensorscould be located about the control panel CP2, with the controller 102being able determine a location at which the user is applying pressure(e.g., which indicia B1-B8 is being contacted) based on relative signalsfrom the various piezoelectric sensors. A single piezoelectric sensorcould similarly be used for multiple indicia by utilizing signalstrength as an indication of location.

One or more ultrasonic elements 122 are associated with each of theseparate indicia B1-B8 to give the user the impression of a physical,raised surface (e.g., virtual button) protruding from the barrier wall132 at each of the separate indicia B1-B8. For example, referring toFIG. 8A, the user's finger is shown receiving haptic sensations producedby the ultrasonic elements 122. The haptic sensations give the user thetactile sensation similar to an actual raised surface, but withoutrequiring contact with the barrier wall 132. As the user continues tomove their finger through the ultrasound waves toward the barrier wall132, the user continues to receive the tactile sensation until theindicia B1 on the exterior surface 137 of the barrier wall 132 isreached. In some cases, the ultrasonic elements 122 continuouslygenerate ultrasound waves to be felt by the user, but in other cases theultrasonic elements 122 may be controlled to provide such ultrasoundwaves only in response to detecting proximity of a user (e.g., via aseparate proximity sensor connected to the controller, etc.).

Once the user makes contact with the exterior surface 137 and applies aforce to the barrier wall 132, the user input device 110 senses theforce. In some cases, this can be through deflection of the barrier wall132, as shown in FIG. 8B (deflection exaggerated for illustration).Owing to the connection between the user input device 110 and thecontroller 102, the controller 102 responds to sensing the user'sapplied force by performing the function desired by the user.

The user input devices 110 associated with the indicia B1 and B2, forinstance, upon actuation, cause the controller 102 to energize the deckadjustment device 84 to articulate the fowler section of the patientsupport deck 38. The user input devices 110 associated with the indiciaB3 and B4, upon actuation, cause the controller 102 to energize the liftdevice 78 to lift or lower the patient support surface 42 relative tothe floor surface, respectively. The user input devices 110 associatedwith the indicia B5 and B6, upon actuation, cause the controller 102 toenergize the bed length extension device 80 to lengthen or shorten thepatient support apparatus 30 to accommodate taller or shorter patients.The user input devices 110 associated with the indicia B7 and B8, uponactuation, cause the controller 102 to energize the bed width extensiondevice 82 to widen or narrow the patient support apparatus 30 toaccommodate larger or smaller patients, respectively. Other user inputdevices, not shown, are contemplated for use with other indicia toperform other functions.

Still referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the barrier wall 132 defines aninterior 135 generally isolated from the user between two barrier walls132. It should be appreciated that, in some cases, the interior 135 isnot completely inaccessible to the user or others, and may be accessedfor service, cleaning, etc. On the other hand, the exterior surface 137is exposed to the user and easily accessible to the user. In theembodiment shown, the user input devices 110 are disposed in theinterior 135 such that the barrier walls 132 separate the user inputdevices 110 from the user in the first region 134 and separate the userinput devices 110 from the exterior surface 137. Additionally, theultrasonic elements 122 are disposed in the interior 135 such that thebarrier walls 132 also separate the ultrasonic elements 122 from theuser in the first region 134 and separate the ultrasonic elements 122from the exterior surface 137. The user input devices 110 and/orultrasonic elements 122 may be present in one or more separate layersattached to the barrier wall 132 in the interior 135 or may be mountedto the barrier wall 132 in other ways. In some cases, as describedabove, the user input devices 110 and/or the ultrasonic elements 122 maybe embedded in the barrier wall 132. In this instance, the user inputdevices 110 and/or the ultrasonic elements 122 remain separated from theuser and the exterior surface 137 by virtue of being located in thebarrier wall 132. In some embodiments, the interior 135 may be definedby a single barrier wall 132. In this case, the user may be able toeasily access the interior and the associated user input devices 110and/or ultrasonic elements 122 located therein even though the barrierwall 132 separates them from the user and from the exterior surface 137in the first region 134.

The first region 134 defines a user interaction zone of the userinterface that comprises the control panel CP2. In embodiments where theuser is able to perceive the presence of a virtual button above thebarrier wall 132 without the user being required to contact the barrierwall 132, the sensation zone comprises a volume extending outwardly fromthe user interaction zone (e.g., outwardly from the first region 134) bya distance in which users can still perceive associated ultrasoundwaves. In some embodiments, owing to the barrier wall 132 being asmooth, generally flat surface in the first region 134, without anypenetrations, seams/joints, etc., sanitizing of the user interactionzone is made easier and generally more effective than conventional userinteraction zones that comprise undulating surfaces with penetrations,seams, and/or joints.

The barrier walls 132 may be configured to allow sufficient transmissionof soundwaves therethrough. For instance, the barrier walls 132 may havesuitable dimensions (e.g., thickness) that enable ultrasound wavetransmission, may be formed of generally ultrasound wave transparentmaterials, and the like. The controller 102 is in communication with theultrasonic elements 122 and is configured to control the ultrasonicelements 122 to produce ultrasound waves through the barrier wall 132 inthe first region 134 to provide haptic sensations to the user. Thecontroller 102 may also be located in the interior 135, or may be incommunication with the user input devices 110 and the ultrasonicelements 122 through one of the barrier walls 132. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8A, and 8B, the barrier walls 132 are free ofany electronic visual displays in at least the first region 134, i.e.,the user interaction zone. In other embodiments, one of the barrierwalls 132 may be free of such electronic visual displays in the firstregion 134, while one or more electronic visual displays are locatedoutside the first region 134, on the other barrier wall 132, orelsewhere.

In some cases, the tactile sensations may be different for each of theseparate functions using the methods described above. In other words,the virtual buttons or other haptic sensations associated with each ofthe separate indicia B1-B8 may be different. As a result, the user isable to operate certain functions on the patient support apparatus 30solely by feel if needed, thereby freeing the user's attention to focuson the patient or on other tasks. The controller 102 is also capable ofvirtually increasing or decreasing the size of the virtual buttongenerated to accommodate different users or for different functions.

Referring to FIG. 9, the deck adjustment device 84 is configured toarticulate the fowler section 152 of the patient support deck 38. Thedeck adjustment device 84 in the exemplary embodiment comprises a fowleractuator 150 coupled to the fowler section 152. The fowler actuator 150moves the fowler section 152 relative to the intermediate frame 36. Thefowler actuator 150 may comprise electric linear actuators that extendbetween the intermediate frame 36 and the fowler section 152. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 9, the fowler section 152 is pivotallyconnected to the intermediate frame 36 at a fixed pivot 154. The fowleractuator 150 has a first end pivotally connected to the intermediateframe 36 and a second end pivotally connected to the fowler section 152.Actuation of the fowler actuator 150 raises and lowers the fowlersection 152 at various inclination angles relative to the intermediateframe 36. It is contemplated that any suitable deck adjustment systemmay be utilized in conjunction with the patient support apparatus 30.The deck adjustment device 84 also comprises a thigh actuator 156 toarticulate the thigh section 158 about fixed pivot 160 and a footactuator 162 to articulate the foot section 164 about moving pivot 166.Suitable electric linear actuators are supplied by LINAK A/S located atSmedevenget 8, Guderup, DK-6430, Nordborg, Denmark.

When a patient supported on the patient support apparatus 30 isconnected to, or about to be connected to, a ventilator, caregiversshould follow a protocol intended to reduce the likelihood of thepatient acquiring ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). While thespecific protocol can vary, one protocol will customarily require thatthe articulation angle α of the fowler section 152 of the patientsupport apparatus 30 be maintained at or above a target angle, such asat or above thirty degrees, at or above forty-five degrees, in a rangeof from forty to forty-five degrees, or other ranges. The term targetangle is understood to mean a discrete angle, a threshold angle, a rangeof angles, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the target angle maybe set by the user or other person through a customization process viathe control panel CP, for instance. A sensor S (shown attached to thefowler section 152), such as an accelerometer, a gravity sensor, a levelsensor, or the like, may be provided in communication with thecontroller 102 so that the controller 102 is able to determine a currentarticulation angle α of the fowler section 152 relative to horizontalbased on input signals from the sensor S. Other types of sensors mayalso be used. By keeping the patient's torso in an upright position, thelikelihood of VAP is reduced.

As the user is raising or lowering the fowler section 152, thecontroller 102 continuously determines the current angle α of the fowlersection 152 relative to horizontal, in substantially real-time, so thatthe controller 102 is able to provide real-time feedback to the userregarding the current angle α. The controller 102 is then able toevaluate a relationship between the current angle α and the targetangle. As a result, the user is able to discern how to move the fowlersection 152 to meet the necessary protocol to reduce VAP. For instance,the feedback may indicate when the current angle α reaches the targetangle or is above the target angle. The feedback may also indicaterelationships between the current angle α and multiple target angles,e.g., by providing discrete feedback at or above each of two targetangles, such as at or above thirty degrees and at or above forty-fivedegrees.

The feedback provided by the controller 102 may come in various forms.In certain embodiments, there is a desire that the feedback be providedin a manner that allows the user to continue watching and/or providingcare to the patient without being distracted. Accordingly, in theseembodiments, the feedback is non-visual feedback and could compriseaudible feedback or haptic feedback (e.g., the tactile stimuli describedabove). In the case of audible feedback, an audible annunciator A (seealso FIG. 2), such as a speaker attached to the intermediate frame 36,may be provided to provide an alert audible to the user that indicateswhen the fowler section 152 is at the target angle, below the targetangle, above the target angle, or combinations thereof. For example, asthe user is actuating a user input device (e.g., continuously pressing apush button, continuously touching a touchscreen input, or the like) toraise the fowler section 152 from a horizontal orientation, thecontroller 102 may generate, via the annunciator A, a sound indicatingthat the fowler section 152 has reached the target angle. Additionally,a series of sounds of differing characteristics could be generated toindicate that the current angle α is approaching the target angleculminating with a single, discrete sound when the target angle isreached. Other sound patterns, intensities, frequencies, etc. could beemployed to provide an audible indication to the user associated with arelationship between the current angle α and the target angle. Sounds inthe form of programmed voice/speech feedback could also be employed,e.g., the sound may state the current angle α, e.g., “thirty degrees.”

If haptic feedback is employed, in one embodiment, the array ofultrasonic elements 122 associated with the indicia B1 and/or B2 may beused to provide tactile stimuli to the user that indicates when thefowler section 152 is at the target angle, below the target angle, abovethe target angle, or combinations thereof. For example, as the user isactuating the user input device 110 associated with indicia B1 to raisethe fowler section 152 from a horizontal orientation, the controller 102may generate, via the ultrasonic generator system 120, tactile stimuliindicating that the fowler section 152 has reached the target angle. Thetactile stimuli may comprise pulsing sensations caused by selectivelyactivating/deactivating one or more of the ultrasonic elements 122,increasing the intensity of the ultrasound waves generated by one ormore of the ultrasonic elements 122, or the like. Additionally, a seriesof different tactile stimuli or varying tactile stimuli (e.g.,increasing intensity, increasing frequency of pulses, etc.) could begenerated to indicate that the current angle α is approaching the targetangle culminating with a discrete tactile stimulus generated when thetarget angle is reached. Other tactile stimuli patterns, intensities,frequencies, etc. could be employed to provide a haptic indication tothe user associated with the target angle.

Furthermore, other types of haptic feedback generators can be used togenerate haptic feedback. For instance, a motor with an eccentricrotating mass (e.g., eccentric motor E shown schematically in FIG. 2) incommunication with the controller 102 could be activated by thecontroller 102 to provide vibrations, such as vibrations to the userinput device 110. The motor E could be mounted to the same component ofthe patient support apparatus 30 as the user input device 110controlling movement of the fowler section 152. Additionally, audiblefeedback may be combined with the haptic feedback in some embodiments.For instance, tactile stimuli may be used to indicate that the currentangle α is approaching the target angle culminating with a single,discrete sound that indicates when the target angle has been reached.

Other forms of audible and/or haptic feedback may be used. For instance,actuation of the fowler actuator 150 may be modulated in a manner toindicate that the fowler section 152 is approaching the target angle,e.g., the controller 102 may slow operation of the fowler actuator 150once the current angle α comes within a predefined threshold of thetarget angle. This slowdown may be linear or non-linear and can be feltby the user if the user's hand or other body part is in contact with thefowler section 152 or can be discerned by the user via the change inpitch/tone of the fowler actuator 150 during such a slowdown. Thecontroller 102 may also modulate operation of the fowler actuator 150 toindicate that the current angle α is at the target angle, below thetarget angle, above the target angle, or combinations thereof. Forinstance, the controller 102 may pause operation of the fowler actuator150 for a predetermined period of time when the target angle is reached.

In some cases, in order to continuously raise or lower the fowlersection 152, continuous actuation of the user input device 110 isnecessary. In other words, if the user ceases to actuate (e.g., press)the user input device 110, adjustment stops. In these cases, while theuser continuously actuates the user input device 110, any form ofaudible and/or haptic feedback can be provided to the user. In othercases, such as when a single press or actuation of the user input device110 starts continuous operation of the fowler actuator 150, then thecontroller 102 may additionally, or alternatively, stop operation of thefowler actuator 150 once the fowler section 152 reaches the target angleand then a second actuation of the user input device 110 restartsoperation of the fowler actuator 150. Thus, the stop in operationprovides a non-visual indication that the target angle has been reachedas sound from the fowler actuator 150 ceases or the user feels that thefowler section 152 has stopped moving.

As described, various forms of audible and/or haptic feedback can beemployed to indicate to the user the current state of the fowler section152 as it relates to the target angle. In other embodiments, suchfeedback could also be employed to indicate states or conditions ofother components of the patient support apparatus 30.

Referring to FIG. 10, an example of the lift device 78 is shown, whichcan also be operated using the control panel CP2 with its associatedhaptic feedback. The lift device 78 is configured to lift and lower thepatient between the minimum and maximum heights of the patient supportapparatus 30, and intermediate positions therebetween. The lift device78 comprises a pair of lift arms 188 pivotally connected at a centerthereof and arranged in a scissor-lift configuration. The lift arms 188are movable to raise and lower the patient support surface 42 relativeto the base 34 and the floor surface. Each of the lift arms 188 have afirst end pivotally connected at a fixed pivot point 189 to one of thebase 34 and the intermediate frame 36. The lift arms 188 extend from thefirst end to a second end. A pin 190 is fixed to the second end andarranged to slide in a horizontal guide slot defined in one of the base34 and the intermediate frame 36.

An actuator 191 is fixed at one end to the base 34 and to one of thepins 190 at the other end. When actuated, the actuator 191 directlyslides the pin 190 in the horizontal guide slot, which also indirectlyslides the other pin 190 in the other horizontal guide slot, to raiseand lower the patient support surface 42. The actuator 191 may comprisean electric linear actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, or similar drivingmechanism. Suitable electric linear actuators are supplied by LINAK A/Slocated at Smedevenget 8, Guderup, DK-6430, Nordborg, Denmark. Otherconfigurations of the lift device 78 are also possible, such as columnlift mechanisms or linkage lift mechanisms as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9.

The controller 102 is configured to initiate operation of the liftdevice 78 in response to receiving input signals when the user actuatesthe user input devices 110 associated with the indicia B3 or B4 tooperate the actuator 191 to either lift or lower the patient supportsurface 42. As the user is actuating the user input devices 110associated with indicia B3 or B4, the controller 102 may generate, viathe ultrasonic generator system 120 (or other haptic feedback system),tactile stimuli indicating that the patient support surface 42 hasreached certain heights, e.g., an egress height, a treatment height, atransport height, a maximum height, a minimum height, etc.

Referring to FIG. 11, the bed length extension device 80 is configuredto perform the function of adjusting a length of the patient supportapparatus 30 to accommodate patients of greater than average height. Inthe exemplary embodiment, the bed length extension device 80 comprises apair of actuators 192 (only one shown) to move a bed extension 193between an unextended position and extended positions with respect tothe intermediate frame 36. In some cases only one actuator is employed.In some embodiments, the bed extension 193 is movable from zero to atleast twelve inches from the unextended position to a fully-extendedposition. In other embodiments, the bed extension 193 is able to moveless or more than twelve inches and may be extendable to any positionbetween the unextended and fully-extended position using the actuators192. The bed extension 193 may have two, three, four, or nearly aninfinite number of extended positions in which to be adjusted by theactuators 192.

The actuators 192 may comprise electric linear actuators. Suitablelinear actuators are supplied by LINAK A/S located at Smedevenget 8,Guderup, DK-6430, Nordborg, Denmark. The bed extension 193 providesauxiliary support for the patient in the extended positions. In theversion shown in FIG. 11, the bed extension 193 extends a foot end ofthe patient support apparatus 30 to accommodate patients of greater thanaverage height. The footboard 54 is coupled to a carrier 195 of the bedextension 193. The footboard 54 moves with the bed extension 193 fromthe unextended position to the extended positions.

In the embodiment shown, the intermediate frame 36 comprises a pair oflongitudinally oriented frame members 194 (only one shown). Legs 196 ofthe bed extension 193 are slidably and telescopically supported in theframe members 194. The legs 196 are attached to the carrier 195 of thebed extension 193. The legs 196 extend away from the carrier 195 to ends197 disposed in the frame members 194. The ends 197 of the legs 196 arecoupled to piston rods 199 of the actuators 192. The piston rods 199 aredriven by the actuators 192 to extend and retract thereby pushing andpulling the legs 196 within the frame members 194 between the unextendedand extended positions. Each of the frame members 194 have a hollowtubular shape with rectangular outer walls, e.g., rectangular tubing. Inother embodiments, the frame members 194 may be cylindrical or othershapes or a single frame member may be employed. Various structures arecontemplated to support the bed extension 193 during movement betweenthe unextended position and the extended positions.

The controller 102 is configured to initiate operation of the bed lengthextension device 80 in response to receiving input signals when the useractuates the user input devices 110 associated with the indicia B5 or B6to operate the actuators 192 to extend or retract the bed extension 193.As the user is actuating the user input devices 110 associated withindicia B5 or B6, the controller 102 may generate, via the ultrasonicgenerator system 120 (or other haptic feedback system), tactile stimuliindicating that bed extension 193 has reached certain lengths, e.g., apatient-specific length, a minimum length, a maximum length, eachincremental length, a transport length, etc.

Referring to FIG. 12, the bed width extension device 82 is configured toperform a function of adjusting a width of the patient support apparatus30 to accommodate patients of greater than average width. The bed widthextension device 82 may operate in the same manner as the bed lengthextension device 80. The bed width extension device 82 comprises twosets of actuators 200 (only one set shown) to move four bed extensions202 (only two shown) between unextended and extended positions withrespect to the intermediate frame 36. In some cases, only one actuatoror one set of actuators is employed. In some embodiments, each of thebed extensions 202 is movable from zero to at least twelve inches fromthe unextended position to a fully-extended position. In otherembodiments, each of the bed extensions 202 is able to move less or morethan twelve inches and may be extendable to any position between theunextended and the fully extended position using the actuators 200. Eachbed extension 202 has two, three, four, or nearly an infinite number ofextended positions in which to be adjusted by the actuators 200.

The actuators 200 may comprise electric linear actuators. Suitablelinear actuators are supplied by LINAK A/S located at Smedevenget 8,Guderup, DK-6430, Nordborg, Denmark. The bed extensions 202 providesauxiliary support for the patient in the extended positions. In theversion shown in FIG. 12, the bed extension 202 extends a width of thepatient support apparatus 30 to accommodate patients of greater thanaverage width. Each of the side rails 44, 46, 48, 50 is coupled to oneof the carriers 204 of the bed extensions 202. The side rails 44, 46,48, 50 move with the bed extensions 202.

In the embodiment shown, the intermediate frame 36 comprises two pairsof laterally oriented frame members 206 (only one pair shown). Legs 208of the bed extensions 202 are slidably and telescopically supported inthe frame members 206. The legs 208 are attached to the carriers 204 ofthe bed extensions 202. The legs 208 extend away from the carriers 204to ends 210 disposed in the frame members 206. The ends 210 of the legs208 are coupled to piston rods 212 of the actuators 200. The piston rods212 are driven by the actuators 200 to extend and retract therebypushing and pulling the legs 208 within the frame members 206 betweenthe unextended and extended positions. Each of the frame members 206have a hollow tubular shape with rectangular outer walls, e.g.,rectangular tubing. In other embodiments, the frame members 206 may becylindrical or other shapes or a single frame member may be employed.Various structures are contemplated to support the bed extensions 202during movement between the unextended position and the extendedpositions.

The controller 102 is configured to initiate operation of the bed widthextension device 82 in response to receiving input signals when the useractuates the user input devices 110 associated with the indicia B7 or B8to operate the actuators 200 to extend or retract the bed extensions202. As the user is actuating the user input devices 110 associated withindicia B7 or B8, the controller 102 may generate, via the ultrasonicgenerator system 120 (or other haptic feedback system), tactile stimuliindicating that bed extensions 202 have reached certain widths, e.g., apatient-specific width, a minimum width, a maximum width, eachincremental width, a transport width, etc.

It will be further appreciated that the terms “include,” “includes,” and“including” have the same meaning as the terms “comprise,” “comprises,”and “comprising.”

Several embodiments have been discussed in the foregoing description.However, the embodiments discussed herein are not intended to beexhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. Theterminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of wordsof description rather than of limitation. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings and theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a base; apatient support deck supported by said base and comprising a decksection, wherein said patient support deck provides a patient supportsurface; an actuator operatively coupled to said deck section toarticulate said deck section between articulation angles; a barrier wallsupported by said base and comprising a first region free of anyelectronic visual displays, said barrier wall comprising an exposedexterior surface accessible to a user; a user input device disposed withrespect to said barrier wall such that said first region of said barrierwall separates said user input device from said exposed exteriorsurface; an ultrasonic generator system disposed with respect to saidbarrier wall such that said first region of said barrier wall separatessaid ultrasonic generator system from said exposed exterior surface; acontroller in communication with said ultrasonic generator system; and asensor in communication with said controller and arranged to determine acurrent articulation angle of said deck section, said controllerconfigured to control said ultrasonic generator system to generatehaptic feedback in response to actuation of said user input device bythe user to indicate to the user a relationship between said currentarticulation angle of said deck section and a target articulation angle.2. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, comprising non-electronicindicia on said first region of said barrier wall, said non-electronicindicia being visible to the user.
 3. The patient support apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein said non-electronic indicia is fixed to said exposedexterior surface.
 4. The patient support apparatus of claim 3, whereinsaid non-electronic indicia comprises printed material on said exposedexterior surface.
 5. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, whereinsaid barrier wall comprises a second region free of indicia adjacent tosaid first region and said exposed exterior surface is continuousbetween said first region and said second region.
 6. The patient supportapparatus of claim 5, wherein said exposed exterior surface is free ofseams between said first region and said second region.
 7. The patientsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein said barrier wall is formed of anelectrically non-conductive material.
 8. The patient support apparatusof claim 1, wherein said user input device comprises a user input sensormounted to said barrier wall to detect user input through said firstregion of said barrier wall, said controller configured to control saidultrasonic generator system to produce ultrasound waves through saidfirst region of said barrier wall to provide haptic sensations to theuser to define a virtual button.
 9. The patient support apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein said user input sensor comprises a piezoelectricsensor.
 10. The patient support apparatus of claim 8, wherein said userinput sensor is embedded in said barrier wall.
 11. The patient supportapparatus of claim 1, wherein said barrier wall forms part of a siderail, a headboard, or a footboard.
 12. The patient support apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said ultrasonic generator system comprises an array ofultrasonic elements.
 13. The patient support apparatus of claim 12,wherein said array of ultrasonic elements comprises ultrasonictransducers controlled by said controller to produce phased ultrasoundwaves to provide haptic sensations.
 14. The patient support apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein said ultrasonic transducers are embedded in saidbarrier wall.
 15. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidcontroller is configured to control said ultrasonic generator system tovary haptic sensations to the user.
 16. The patient support apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said controller is configured to control saidultrasonic generator system to provide informational haptic feedback tothe user.
 17. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidbarrier wall defines an interior generally isolated from the user withsaid user input device and said ultrasonic generator system disposed insaid interior.